What can an almost-extinct Jewish community teach contemporary Jews? Often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of assimilation, in fact, the Kaifeng Jewish community has survived for over 1000 years by blending Jewish and Chinese cultures, just as Jews have done in every age and place. Come and explore their history, and learn about the community in its heyday and the current crackdown against them. More significantly, we will discuss what we post-Holocaust Jews can learn from their ideas about G-d and Torah, and the question of what constitutes Jewish identity.

Rabbi Anson Laytner retired from his position as program manager of the Interreligious Initiative at Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry in 2015. He also was adjunct faculty with SU’s Department of Theology and Ministry. Prior to this he worked with a variety... Read More →